Understanding consumer perceptions and attitudes towards nutrition labels and health claims in food

Abstract

Healthy food choices have an important role to play in one’s personal health and wellbeing and in the prevention of chronic diseases. Nutrition labels and health claims (NLHCs) on packaged foods are important instruments used by food and health policy makers seeking to reduce the consumption of unhealthy foods that influence the levels of obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). To identify contemporary issues in consumer perceptions and attitudes towards NLHCs, a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was conducted using a PRISMA approach, which focused on articles published between 2015-2022, from twenty leading journals, to synthesize the key research themes and findings. Key research trends were identified and future trends were discussed that may impact how consumers perceive NLHCs on packaged foods. A more market-oriented approach to the design of NLHCs is needed, using the consumer as an active co-designer and integrating the consumer into the design process at an early stage.